Urban Planning, BSP
Program Description
The urban planning program introduces students to issues faced by urban areas and the tools necessary to address them. Urban planners guide communities in making wise decisions about their use of land and resources.
The BSP program in urban planning provides students with expertise in both the analysis and the synthesis of the physical, social, political and economic issues that shape urban and regional development. Planning encompasses:
- computer and research methods
- environmental impact assessment
- geographic information systems
- housing
- landscape architecture and urban design
- planning and zoning law
- public policy formulation and administration
- transportation
- urban and development economics
- utilities
Students take courses that include:
- comprehensive planning
- computer and analytical methods
- planning law
- public policy formulation and administration
- site planning
- socioeconomic and environmental analyses
- urban design
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates of urban planning pursue career opportunities with private planning firms and governmental planning agencies, mainly at the city level, but also with county, state and federal entities. Some planners elect to pursue graduate degrees to develop specialty skills and enhance their opportunities for career advancement.
The urban planning degree, especially when combined with a focus on geographic information science, gives graduates an advantage in careers that combine urban planning with GIS and in other jobs dealing with urban issues, including:
- comprehensive and long-range planning
- economic development planning
- housing issues
- planning law
- public participation in the planning process
- socioeconomic and environmental analyses
- sustainable planning
- transportation
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Commercial Real Estate Associate
- Growth: 0.2%
- Median Salary*: $59,660
Environmental Restoration Planner
- Growth: 7.8%
- Median Salary*: $73,230
Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (EEO Officer)
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: $71,100
Forester
- Growth: 3.8%
- Median Salary*: $63,980
Landscape Architect
- Growth: -2.4%
- Median Salary*: $70,630
Lawyer
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $126,930
Real Estate Broker
- Growth: 2.6%
- Median Salary*: $60,370
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: $71,100
Transportation Planner
- Growth: 0.8%
- Median Salary*: $87,260
Urban Planner
- Growth: 11.0%
- Median Salary*: $75,950
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-7533